Special Fruit, in Belgium, is currently the only market player offering the Portuguese Sweet Royalla blackberry variety. "Production is running at full speed, and the blackberries' quality is at its best," says Joost Schellekens of Special Fruit.
"This promising variety combines the excellent traits needed to boost blackberry sales in the soft fruit category. This crunchy fruit tastes wonderful. Its flavor is nicely rounded out with a mild sweetness, something most standard varieties lack. Plus, it has a long shelf life and lacks red cells."
The growers in Portugal also have faith in the Sweet Royalla - they have already upped next year's planned production volumes by 50%. By the end of this year, the variety will also be grown in Moroccan fields. That will allow Special Fruit to offer this premium blackberry almost year-round.
"With this, our company wants to commit to a sustainable supply of healthy fruit with reduced long-distance transport from Mexico. Production peaks around Easter and Christmas, which immediately gives our 'royal' blackberry a festive feel," Joost says.
"At present, blackberries offer the most potential. They are considered very healthy, and these berries' flavor has improved. Consumers are increasingly finding their way to fiber-rich blackberries, seeing them as a new addition to their berry love."
"The feedback from our B2B clients has, thus far, also been very positive. In short, our customers don't want any other variety. Sweet Royalla's future promises to be bright," concludes Joost.
For more information:
Joost Schellekens
Special Fruit
36 Europa Street
2321, Meer, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 331 70 660
Email: info@specialfruit.be
Website: www.specialfruit.be